Spirulina-based approaches for the control of soil-borne pathogens: Mechanism and future perspective

Abstract:

Soils-borne pathogens are a big problem for farming since they cause big losses in crop yields around the world. Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium ultimum are examples of pathogens that stay in the soil for a long time, making them hard to control. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are also hard to control. Traditional chemical pesticides work for a short time, but they cause major health and environmental problems, such as resistance and ecological imbalance. So, we need more and more sustainable options.
Spirulina platensis (also known as Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium that has a lot of bioactive chemicals, like phenolics, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and pigments. This makes it a good candidate for biocontrol. These chemicals are very good at killing germs, protecting plants from damage, and helping them flourish. Studies have demonstrated that Spirulina extracts stop microbes from growing by breaking down cell membranes, messing up metabolic processes, and stopping biofilm formation.This review talks about how Spirulina can help reduce soil-borne infections. It focuses on how it works, what experiments have shown, and what the future holds. Even while tests in labs and greenhouses show promise, more testing in the field and development of the formulation are needed. Using spirulina as a base for disease management in modern agriculture is a long-lasting and environmentally beneficial way to do it.